Re: [IGSROBIN] Geranium psilostemon; G. ruprechtii

Robin-
I dont have a volcano, but we are subtopical. G. Arboreum sounds like an
interesting one to try. Would you know a seed source?
-----Original Message-----
From: Robin Parer <geraniac@PACBELL.NET>
To: IGSROBIN@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU <IGSROBIN@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
Date: Friday, January 15, 1999 12:15 PM
Subject: Re: Geranium psilostemon; G. ruprechtii
>Dear Ingrid:
>
>I think Geranium psilostem is the largest geranium normal mortals can
>grow, although G. arboreum from Maui in the Hawaiian Islands grows to
>about 10-12 feet high, and as many feet wide, and is a large suckering
>shrub. But its cultural requirements seem beyond most of us, unless you
>happen to have an ancient, subtropical volcano in your backyard.
>Actually G. psilostemon doesn't seem to grow particularly large for us.
>Probably 3 1/2 - 4 feet high maximum. It seems to grow larger in
>cooler, northern latitudes.
>
>Geranium ruprechtii looks somewhat like a variation on G. pratense. It
>comes from the Caucasus, and has mid to deep blue flowers on a large
>plant 24-24". It blooms here in the spring and summer. It seems quite
>cold tolerant, to USDA Zone 5.
>
>Hardy geraniums are easy to grow from seed, if they are scarified
>first.I usually scratch the fat end of the seed with a fine pin or
>needle, and then sow in the usual way.
>
>Good luck.
>
>Regards,
>
>Robin
>Geraniaceae Nursery